How to Sideload Apps on FireStick with the Downloader App: This guide will walk you through the process of installing the Downloader app and sideloading apps on your FireStick. The instructions apply to all Fire TV OS devices, including FireStick 4K, 4K Max, FireStick Lite, Fire TVs, and more.

What Is the Downloader App for FireStick?

The Downloader app, developed by AFTVnews.com, is available on the Amazon App Store and allows you to download files directly to your FireStick.

With Downloader, you can:

• Browse websites and access URLs
• Enter URLs or shortcodes to download files, such as APKs
• Open, install, delete, and manage apps
• Bookmark your favorite websites for quick access
• Easily navigate websites using your Fire TV remote

Cord-cutters prefer Downloader over other apps like ES File Explorer because of its simple, user-friendly interface. According to AFTVnews.com, Downloader has over 50 million users and is widely recommended by streamers. The Kodi team also emphasizes that “the only proper way to install Kodi on Amazon devices is to stop using ES File Explorer.”

Best Features of Downloader

Here are the key features of Downloader:

• Download files directly from URLs, shortcodes, or websites
• Built-in file manager for easy app management
• Regular updates to fix bugs and improve performance
• Supports various platforms, including Google TV, Android TV, Android phones/tablets, Fire TVs, and Fire tablets
• Available on all major app stores, including the Amazon App Store and Google Play Store

Stops to Install the Downloader App on FireStick

Follow these simple steps to install the Downloader app on your FireStick through the Amazon App Store:

Disclaimer

1. On your FireStick home screen, click the Find icon.
2. Select the Search box.
3. Using the on-screen keyboard, type Downloader and select the first result.
4. Note: If your FireStick remote has voice control, press and hold the Microphone icon and say “Downloader.”
5. Open the Downloader app from the search results.
6. Click Get/Download on the Downloader dashboard. After a few seconds, Downloader will be installed.
7. Once installed, you can access the Downloader app from the Your Apps & Channels section.

How to Prepare FireStick to Use Downloader & Sideload Apps

By default, FireStick doesn’t allow the installation of third-party apps. To sideload apps, you must first adjust the settings to enable this. Follow these steps:

1. On your FireStick home screen, go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to and select the My Fire TV tile in the bottom left corner.
3. Select Developer Options.
4. Note: If you don’t see Developer Options, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About, then select Fire TV Stick and click it 7 times to enable Developer Options. For more details, here’s a step-by-step guide to enable Developer Options.
5. You’ll see one of these two options, depending on your FireStick version:
6. Option 1: Install Unknown Apps – Click on it to proceed to the next step and enable Downloader.
7. Option 2: Apps from Unknown Sources – Click on this and then select Turn On on the prompt that appears. You can skip the next step.
8. Find and select Downloader in the list and toggle it ON.

Now your FireStick is ready to sideload apps using Downloader!

Stops to Download Apps on FireStick Using the Downloader App

Legal Disclaimer: This tutorial is for educational purposes only. firesticktricksapps.com does not own, host, operate, resell, or distribute any streaming apps, addons, websites, IPTV, or services. The content on this page may include unverified services, and we cannot confirm whether they have the legal rights to distribute the content. firesticktricksapps.com does not verify the legality of each app or service in all regions. Please do your research before using any unverified apps or services, and only stream content available in the public domain. The responsibility for accessing media lies solely with the end user.

Now that your FireStick is prepared, let’s quickly sideload apps on your Fire TV or FireStick. Before you start, here’s some useful information to make accessing Downloader easier.

How to Access Downloader

If you don’t see Downloader on your home screen, you can move the app or create a shortcut for quick access. To find and open Downloader from Your Apps & Channels (a list of all your installed apps), follow these steps:

1. From the home screen, select the app icon in the middle menu bar (the one with three squares and a plus sign). If your remote has a similar button, click that instead.
2. Scroll down and select Downloader from the list of apps.

Now you’re ready to download apps using Downloader!

Getting Started with Downloader on FireStick

Follow these steps to get started with the Downloader app:

1. When you launch the app for the first time, click Allow to grant the necessary permissions.
2. Click OK on the Quick Start Guide prompt that appears.

Enabling JavaScript in Downloader

Before using the Downloader app on your FireStick, it’s recommended to enable JavaScript. This adjustment ensures that websites function properly in the app, as some sites may not open correctly without it. Although this step is optional, it’s highly recommended.

To enable JavaScript in Downloader, follow these steps:

1. Open Downloader. On the left sidebar, you will see the Settings option. Select it.
2. In Settings, check the box next to Enable JavaScript.
3. Click Yes when prompted with a warning. Most browsers enable JavaScript by default, so you can safely click Yes.

Using Downloader to Sideload Apps on FireStick

Now, let’s see how to use Downloader to download APK files and sideload apps onto your FireStick. The process is simple and quick.

Method 1: Download and Install APKs Using a Direct URL

1. From the Home section, click inside the input box on the right side of the screen.
2. Enter the URL of the APK you wish to download and press Go on the onscreen keyboard.
3. Note: firesticktricksapps.com doesn’t host this URL; it redirects you to an external location.
4. The download will begin automatically. Once completed, click Install in the bottom right corner.
5. After the app is installed, you will receive a notification confirming the status. Two buttons will appear: Done and Open. Click Done if you wish to open the app later. Choose Open to launch it immediately.
6. Press Delete to remove the APK file from your storage, as you no longer need it.

Method 2: Download and Install APKs from Websites

Downloader has a built-in browser that allows you to browse websites and download files directly. This is useful when a direct download link is not available.

1. Open Downloader and select the Browser option from the left pane. In the URL box, enter the website address you want to visit and click Go.
2. Navigate through the site using your FireStick remote to find the download button. Once you locate it, click on it.
3. After the download is complete, the Downloader will automatically prepare the file for installation. Click Install.
4. Once installed, click Done to close the installation screen.

Staying Anonymous on FireStick

Before you begin using apps on your FireStick, it’s important to understand that all your online activities are visible to your ISP and government. This could lead to legal trouble, especially when streaming free movies, TV shows, or sports. To protect your privacy and keep your activities hidden, use a reliable VPN on your FireStick. A VPN will mask your original IP address and help you bypass online surveillance, ISP throttling, and geo-restrictions.

ExpressVPN is highly recommended due to its fast speeds, strong security features, and compatibility with all FireStick apps.

Here’s how to use ExpressVPN on your FireStick:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN [here]. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
2. On your FireStick, go to Find and select Search.
3. Type “ExpressVPN” in the search bar and select it when it appears.
4. Click Download to install ExpressVPN on your FireStick.
5. Open the ExpressVPN app and sign in with the account credentials you created when subscribing.
6. Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server.

Now your connection is secure, and your activities are private while using FireStick!

What to Do If You Can’t Find Downloader in the App Store

In most regions, Downloader is available on the Amazon App Store, but it may not be accessible in a few countries. If you can’t find it, you’ll need to:

1. Deregister your FireStick from your Amazon account.
2. Create a new Amazon account with a different region, such as the USA.

After creating a new account, follow these steps to register and deregister:

1. Go to the Fire TV home screen and select the Cog icon to access Settings.
2. Navigate to Account & Profiles. If you haven’t signed in yet, select Register and enter your credentials. If you have already registered, select the account and press Deregister to sign out.
3. Follow the instructions to register your new Amazon account with a different region.

FAQs

Can I use Downloader to install apps that are not on the Amazon App Store?

Yes, that’s exactly what Downloader is for. It lets you sideload apps by downloading APK files directly from URLs or websites, giving you access to apps not available on the Amazon App Store.

Is enabling JavaScript in Downloader safe?

Yes, enabling JavaScript in Downloader is generally safe and even recommended for better web browsing. Many websites won’t work correctly without it, and enabling it improves compatibility with download pages.

What happens if I accidentally delete Downloader?

No problem—you can reinstall it easily from the Amazon App Store by searching “Downloader.” If it’s not available in your region, you can reconfigure your Amazon account’s country settings and try again.

Why does my FireStick say “App not installed” when using Downloader?

This usually means the APK file you tried to install is not compatible with your FireStick’s version or architecture. Always download APKs specifically designed for Fire TV OS and 64-bit ARM devices.

Can I use Downloader with a mouse toggle or Bluetooth keyboard?

Yes, Downloader works with both mouse toggles and Bluetooth keyboards, which can help navigate websites more easily—especially those not optimized for remote-only navigation.

Does Downloader update apps automatically on FireStick?

No, Downloader doesn’t update apps automatically. You’ll need to manually download the updated APK version and install it using the same steps as before to keep your apps current.

Conclusion

With Downloader, you can easily sideload your favorite third-party apps on your FireStick. Its user-friendly interface supports a wide range of files, making it an essential tool for unlocking your Fire TV’s full potential.